Man City's Opening Elliot Anderson Bid Knocked Back by Forest

Manchester City have had their first formal offer for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson rejected, with a British-record fee potentially required to land him.

Manchester City are on the hunt for Elliot Anderson — but Nottingham Forest have made clear it will not come cheaply. City lodged an opening bid for the 23-year-old midfielder this week, only for the City Ground club to turn it down flat, according to The Athletic. The noises out of the East Midlands are that Forest consider their man worth considerably more than City's initial offer.

British-Record Territory

The figures being discussed are eye-watering. Any agreement could surpass the £105m Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023 — currently the benchmark for a British player. Anderson's consistent performances across 50 appearances for Forest last season have driven his value to those heights, and clubs bidding below that bar should expect short shrift from the City Ground.

BBC Sport reported last week that the midfielder is leaning towards a move to the Etihad over Manchester United, who are also understood to be monitoring the situation. City now appear to have moved from admiration into action, even if the opening salvo has been rebuffed.

Why City Need Him

The urgency at the Etihad is not hard to understand. Captain Bernardo Silva's departure this summer has left a significant void in City's engine room, and Anderson sits at the top of their midfield shopping list. The Newcastle academy graduate brings exactly the energy and technical quality Pep Guardiola's side will need to rebuild after what was a difficult campaign.

Sandro Tonali of Newcastle is also understood to be on City's radar as a long-term target, though any move for the Italy international would involve its own complications. Nico Gonzalez, who slipped out of favour under Guardiola last season and missed out on Spain's World Cup squad, may be moved on if a suitable offer materialises — freeing up both budget and squad space.

Anderson Focused on World Cup

For his part, Anderson is currently with Thomas Tuchel's England squad preparing for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. His selection underlines just how far the midfielder has come — and how sought-after he has become on the transfer market. Crucially, club-to-club negotiations can run in parallel with the tournament, meaning this saga is unlikely to go quiet over the summer.

City are also targeting a young natural right-back to complement Matheus Nunes, who impressed after being converted into that position this season. The club's brief is said to be for a player who can develop into the role rather than an established name parachuted in.

Forest are in no rush to sell and hold all the cards while Anderson remains under contract. City know what is required — they must come back with a significantly improved offer if they want to get this done before the World Cup dust settles.

Frequently asked

How much could Elliot Anderson cost Manchester City?: Any fee is expected to potentially exceed the current British transfer record of £105m, which Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023. Nottingham Forest have already rejected City's opening bid as insufficient.
Is Elliot Anderson going to Man City or Man United?: Both clubs are interested, but BBC Sport has reported that Anderson is currently leaning towards a move to Manchester City over Manchester United.
Why do Manchester City need a new midfielder?: City captain Bernardo Silva has left the club this summer, creating a significant gap in their midfield. Anderson is reported to be their top target to fill that void.